INNISFIL — Dozens of needy families across Innisfil will find something special under their Christmas tree this year.
A coalition of community organizations, including the Town of Innisfil, Innisfil Public Library, South Simcoe Police North Division, Innisfil Hydro and the Alcona Business Association (ABA), along with the 1st Alcona Boy Scouts, are teaming up to collect toys and non-perishable foodstuffs for the local Christmas Cheer Toy and Food campaign.
In partnership with Barrie & District Christmas Cheer, the group is placing collection bins at a variety of locations throughout the municipality until Sunday, Dec. 16.
Owen McGee, chairperson of the Innisfil campaign, says, “We expect between 135 to 140 families to apply this year. They will receive a box containing a week’s worth of food, a frozen turkey, vouchers for vegetables, toys for children up to 10 years old and gift certificates for children 11 to 18 years old. Our team is made up of 100 per cent volunteers.”
“This is an opportunity for the people of Innisfil to give back to help those who are struggling,” says Mayor Barb Baguley. “We are excited about our partnership with the Alcona Business Association and the help they will offer by adding more drop off locations and their support to the Drive.”
Odette Novielli, president of the ABA and owner of the State Farm Insurance office in Stroud says her organization’s “member businesses are very active in the community and helping others is very important to us. By opening our businesses to the Town’s toy and food drive, we hope residents will open their hearts and donate generously. Helping us help others will make this Christmas season even more meaningful.”
The campaign is seeking new, unwrapped toys, particularly for kids aged eight to 10.
Food contributions in demand include powdered milk, canned fruit, juices and vegetables, rice, pasta, peanut butter, jam, honey, condiments, sugar, canned meat, cereal, salmon or tuna.
Donations may be taken to Innisfil Town Hall, the Alcona Fire Station, or Innisfil Hydro Monday to Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. The Cookstown, Churchill and Lakeshore branches of the Innisfil Public Library system accept donations during their hours of operation.
The Innisfil Recreation Complex is a drop off point Monday to Sunday from 6 a.m. to 10 p.m. Lefroy Arena accepts donations from Monday to Thursday, 2 to 10 p.m. and Friday and Saturday from 6 a.m. to 10 p.m.
Alcona Business Association members taking in donations include Innisfil Family Chiropractic & Acupuncture Centre, 1070 Innisfil Beach Rd., Innisfil Denture Clinic, 958 Innisfil Beach Rd., Hands Over Time, 5-1070 Innisfil Beach Rd., Century 221 Realty, 888 Innisfil Beach Rd., RBC Alcona, 1501 Innisfil Beach Rd. and State Farm Insurance, 8056 Yonge St.
The 1st Alcona Scouts will be collecting donations while marching at the front of this Sunday’s Santa Claus Parade in Alcona.